NBA Rookie of the Year rankings: Banchero looks to end top pick struggles

As the new NBA season comes closer, intrigue will begin forming around offseason acquisitions across the league. The top rookies chosen in June's draft are among those changing pieces.

In our first edition of the Rookie of the Year rankings, we'll look at five frontrunners vying for one of the league's most illustrious awards.

5. Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons

While Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey's tantalizing athleticism and perimeter skill should make him productive from the get-go, he isn't even the most promising young backcourt member on his own team. That award goes to 2021's No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham, who's bound to make a major leap in year two.

Due to Cunningham's projected rise, questions remain about how much time the fifth overall selection will get leading the offense - something he did for the majority of his time at Purdue. Just a 32% 3-point shooter in college, Ivey is not proven as an off-ball shooter and thrives as an offensive creator with the rock in his hands.

Ivey will still have plenty of opportunity to put up quality numbers, especially as a passer and in transition. However, his half-court efficiency may feature some rough patches early on as he gets acclimated with his talented teammate.

4. Jabari Smith, Houston Rockets

Many expected Jabari Smith to be taken with the No. 1 pick in June before he fell to the Houston Rockets at No. 3. But Smith did not do much in Summer League to make a strong first impression - offensively, at least.

The lanky forward averaged 14.4 points across five games in Las Vegas, but he did so while shooting just 37.7% from the field and 25.9% from deep - notable after hitting 42% of his long balls last season at Auburn. In addition, Smith had significant trouble scoring off the dribble, something he did well in a stellar college campaign.

That said, there is a lot more to Smith's game than scoring, which he's proven by averaging 9.4 rebounds and a combined three steals and blocks per game this summer. But unless he can score at a much higher efficiency in the regular season, he is unlikely to truly contend for the award, even if he does put together a strong year in other facets.

3. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers

Bennedict Mathurin has made his scoring prowess well-known from the jump after the Indiana Pacers drafted him with the No. 6 pick. The Canadian rookie - who ranked second in the Pac-12 Conference last season in scoring at Arizona - averaged 19.3 points per game in Summer League to finish ranked eighth.

Mathurin has kept up a hefty scoring load while remaining efficient, as well. He made 48.8% of his field goals and 38.5% of his 3-pointers in Las Vegas, and he's shooting nearly 50% from the floor on 25 attempts through his first two preseason games as Indiana's sixth man.

Armed with a full offensive package - including a deadly spot-up jumper, elite athleticism in transition, and unwavering confidence - Mathurin is sure to finish near the top of the rookie ladder in scoring. However, a lack of other counting stats and starting the season behind veteran Buddy Hield on the depth chart could leave him on the outside looking in.

2. Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings

Fourth-overall pick Keegan Murray got off to as great a start as a rookie could have, winning Summer League MVP after averaging 23.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks on 50% shooting and 40% from deep across four contests.

While many expected the Sacramento Kings to choose Ivey with their selection, Murray made them look extremely smart this summer. The Iowa product blends a well-rounded and disciplined game with occasional bursts of athletic pop and playmaking, making him the rare rookie who boasts both a high floor and ceiling.

Most importantly, Murray projects well next to Kings stars De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, which should allow him to see substantial minutes on a team vying for a play-in spot in the Western Conference. Murray should rank in the top five amongst first-years in most categories, and - despite the fact he plays for Sacramento - he may be on the best squad of the contenders for the award.

1. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Over the last six campaigns, no No. 1 pick has won the Rookie of the Year award in the year they were drafted (Ben Simmons won the year after being picked), but top selection Paolo Banchero should still begin the year as the frontrunner. Arguably the best offensive player in the draft class, the former Duke Blue Devils projects to dominate that end for the Orlando Magic this season.

Fans got a glimpse of that role in Vegas, with Banchero averaging 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists in two contests. Not only is his faceup and off-the-dribble game a standout feature for a 6-foot-10 forward, but his underrated passing could see him lead all rookies in assists.

Banchero has countless boxes checked off to be a frontrunner for the award. He was the top pick, will surely put up numbers as a featured player on a bad Magic team, and has already shown the ability to take over a game in the NBA, albeit in Summer League.

Honorable Mentions: Tari Eason (Houston Rockets), Shaedon Sharpe, (Portland Trail Blazers), Johnny Davis, (Washington Wizards)